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11-Day Back Roads of Japan Tour from Tokyo: Nagano, Otsu, Hagi, Tottori and Kyoto | Small Group Tour
(8 Reviews)Product Code: 217312OVERVIEW
Highlights
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• 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners included
• Spot snow monkeys in Nagano
• Explore a 16th-century samurai castle
• Cycle through the rural town of Hagi
• Experience a homestay in a traditional Japanese communityTour Code217312Duration11 dayDeparture CityTokyoEnd CityKyotoLanguageEnglishIS THIS TOUR FOR ME?
Group Size: Small group tour
Take an intimate and semi-private trip with a small group
Activity Level: Moderate
Designed for travelers in good health who are comfortable with light walking or hiking
Itinerary
Day 01![Tokyo]( "Tokyo")
Tokyo
Hotel: Shinjuku Washington Hotel or similar
Meal: B：Excluded L：Excluded D：Excluded
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
【Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group】
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Meal
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Day 02![Tokyo]( "Tokyo")
Tokyo
Hotel: Shinjuku Washington Hotel or similar
Meal: B：Excluded L：Excluded D：Excluded
Take a CEO-led walking tour of eclectic modern Tokyo from the hub of Shinjuku to Shibuya through to Harajuku.
【Orientation Walk】
Let your CEO guide you around eclectic and modern Tokyo.
- Tips:
- * Please note that the new JR Pass validation policy asks travellers to come to the office counter to activate their JR Pass.
Meal
- B：Excluded
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Day 03![Nagano]( "Nagano")
Tokyo - Nagano
Hotel: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano Zenkojiguchi or similar
Meal: B：Excluded L：Excluded D：Excluded
Journey to Nagano, located in the Japanese Alps and host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics. Discover the world-famous Jigokudani Monkey Park and watch Japanese snow monkeys bathing in the natural hot springs.
【Bullet Train】
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
【Jigokudani Monkey Park Visit】
Visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild snow monkeys can be seen bathing in the natural hot springs. The pool where most of the monkeys soak is man made, fed by the hot springs. Along the walking paths up to the pools other monkeys tend to stop and watch visitors curiously.
Meal
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Day 04![Nagano]( "Nagano")
Nagano
Hotel: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano Zenkojiguchi or similar
Meal: B：Excluded L：Excluded D：Excluded
Enjoy a day-trip to quaint Matsumoto and visit one of Japan's most treasured castles. Return to Nagano and explore historic Zenkoji Temple.
【Bullet Train】
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
【Matsumoto Castle】
Stop at the castle of Matsumoto one of Japan's most treasured castles, maintaining it's original wooden interior and stone exterior. Explore this castle where 16th century Samurai once roamed before venturing out with the group to wander Matsumoto's ancient streets and or dine in a traditional storehouse.
【Local Train】
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
【Zenkō-ji Temple】
isit the Buddhist temple of Zenkō-ji, one of the last remaining pilgrimage sites. Built in the 7th century, the city of Nagano was built around the already standing structure.
Meal
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Day 05Nagano - Otsu
Hotel: Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel or similar
Meal: B：Excluded L：Excluded D：Included
Travel to Otsu in Shiga prefecture, located on the banks of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake. Settle in and relax with a stroll around this picturesque lake before heading out to enjoy a delicious bowl of Ramen for dinner.
【Train】
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Meal
- B：Excluded
- L：Excluded
- D：Included
Day 06Otsu - Hagi
Hotel: Homestay in Hagi or similar
Meal: B：Included L：Excluded D：Included
Grab a quick breakfast before heading off, on a long travel day. In the late afternoon, arrive in the quaint city of Hagi, a former castle town that boasts feudal architecture. Take part in a welcome ceremony with the local residents, and meet your host family at a community homestay, a Good project. Get to know each other as you enjoy dinner together.
【Train】
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
【Your G for Good Moment: Hagi Community Homestay】
Get to know a local family Good-supported community homestay in Hagi, a farming, fishing and historical heritage town. In recent years, due to the rapidly aging population and limited income opportunities in many of the rural areas of Japan, many community members have had to leave Hagi in order to make a living. Learn about local history and customs, and enjoy a home-cooked meal with your hosts.
- Tips:
- * Please note that before leaving Ōtsu, you'll need to prepare your day pack/overnight bag for a two-night stay in Hagi, as your main luggage will be sent on to Tottori. Remember to include comfortable clothing for a cycling excursion and two nights at the homestay.
Meal
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Day 07Hagi
Hotel: Homestay in Hagi or similar
Meal: B：Included L：Excluded D：Included
Explore rural Hagi on a guided morning cycle, spotting samurai architecture along the way. On return, experience authentic Japanese countryside life by partaking in seasonal activities with the community. Return to your homestay in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner with your host family.
【Hagi Cycling Excursion】
Explore Hagi on a cycling excursion led by your CEO. Enjoy the slow pace of life as you pedal past the city's samurai era architecture, and cycle along the Japanese Sea.
【Your G for Good Moment: Hagi Community Homestay】
Get to know a local family at this Good-supported community homestay in Hagi, a farming, fishing and historical heritage town. In recent years, due to the rapidly aging population and limited income opportunities in many of the rural areas of Japan, many community members have had to leave Hagi in order to make a living. Learn about local history and customs, and enjoy a home-cooked meal with your hosts.
Meal
- B：Included
- L：Excluded
- D：Included
Day 08Hagi - Tottori
Hotel: New Otani Tottori or similar
Meal: B：Included L：Excluded D：Excluded
Bid farewell to your host family after enjoying breakfast together. Later, travel to Miho-misumi by train, taking in scenic views along the way. Learn the art of making "washi," a UNESCO-recognized traditional Japanese paper before continuing to the seaside town of Tottori.
【Bullet Train】
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
【Your Hands-On Moment: Traditional Paper-making Lesson】
Learn the traditional art of "washi" paper making. Take home your handmade washi as a memento.
Meal
- B：Included
- L：Excluded
- D：Excluded
Day 09![Kyoto]( "Kyoto")
Tottori - Kyoto
Hotel: Agora Kyoto Karasuma or similar
Meal: B：Excluded L：Excluded D：Excluded
Spend the morning exploring Tottori's scenic sand dunes, some reaching 50m (164 ft) in height. After, visit the local fish market and opt for a fresh seafood lunch. In the late afternoon, travel to Kyoto for two nights in the traditional heart of Japan.
【Tottori Sand Dunes Visit】
Located along the coast of the Sea of Japan, the Tottori Sand Dunes (or "Tottori Sakyu") were formed thousands of years ago when sand was washed away from a nearby river. Walk amongst the dunes and opt to climb one to take in scenic views of the coastline.
【Tottori Fish Market Visit】
Check out Tottori's harbour fish market, home to fresh seafood and some of Japan's best crab. Walk amongst the stalls and watch the locals in action. Opt to try a tasty dish in the market's restaurant section.
【Train】
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Meal
- B：Excluded
- L：Excluded
- D：Excluded
Day 10![Kyoto]( "Kyoto")
Kyoto
Hotel: Agora Kyoto Karasuma or similar
Meal: B：Excluded L：Excluded D：Excluded
Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famed for an impressive 10,000 red torii gates. This afternoon, enjoy free time in this picturesque city. Opt to experience zen gardens, teahouses, shrines, and local gift shops – and maybe even spot a real-life geisha.
Kyoto is home to over 2,000 temples, including some of the most magnificent in the country, dating back centuries. Use free time to continue exploring, the options are endless – the city also boasts museums, castles, and traditional gardens – or opt to visit neighbouring Nara or Osaka.
【Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Visit】
Visit the Fushimi Inari shrine, located just outside of Kyoto. Walk under the thousands of iconic torii gates (as seen in the film Memoirs of a Geisha) and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The shrine itself is at the base of the Inari mountain but includes many trails up to smaller shrines in the area.
【Free Time】
Explore more of this cultural hub.
Meal
- B：Excluded
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- D：Excluded
Day 11![Kyoto]( "Kyoto")
Kyoto
Meal: B：Excluded L：Excluded D：Excluded
Depart at any time.
- Tips:
- For travellers flying out of Kansai International Airport (KIX) by yourself, please find the public transit options below (please note that taxis can become quite expensive in the late hours)
* By train - departing from Kyoto station, the limited express "Haruka" Train goes directly to the airport. The last train to the airport leaves Kyoto station at 20:30.
* By bus - departing from Kyoto station, with several stops along the way. The last bus to the airport leaves Kyoto station at 22:10.
Meal
- B：Excluded
- L：Excluded
- D：Excluded
Please note that order of day-to-day itinerary is adjustable depending on tour start day.
Own Expenses
Day Activity Price Additional Information D2 Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) Visit Free-JPY1000.00/Person D10 Nijo Castle and Gardens Visit JPY600.00/Person D10 Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Visit JPY500.00/Person D10 Kiyomizu Temple Visit JPY400.00/Person - All mandatory fees must be paid in cash to the tour guide and tickets cannot be pre-purchased separatedly.
- Any optional activities you wish to join must be paid to your tour guide in cash.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Package Includes
- 10-night accommodations
- Your G for Good Moment: Hagi Community Homestay, Hagi
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Hands-On Moment: Traditional Paper-making Lesson, Mihomisumi
- Modern Tokyo walking tour
- Zenkoji Temple visit (Nagano)
- Jigokudani Monkey Park visit (Nagano)
- Matsumoto Castle visit
- Hagi Community Homestay welcome ceremony
- Hagi cycling tour
- Tottori sand dunes visit
- Tottori fish market visit
- Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine visit
- Japan Rail (JR) pass (7 days)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Bus, bullet train, local train, bicycle, walking
- Group Leader: 1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Package Excludes
- Airfares or related transportation between your home and destination
- All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals; however, you have the option to pay for meals that tour guide arranges
- Optional tours (Items and prices may vary due to different seasons and are subject to the final confirmation made by tour guide when on tour.)
- Tipping is not practiced in Japan. Leaving money at restaurants, in taxis etc will simply cause confusion! At the end of each trip, if you felt your G CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is highly appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $5 USD per guest, per day can be used.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation made within:
- 0 - 31 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
- 32 - 61 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
- 62 or More Days - 90% of total purchase amount can be refunded
Please Note:• We are not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that the Client may have incurred as a result of the booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, etc. If the Client is offered a refund but requests an alternative tour of a higher value than that originally booked, then the Client must pay the difference in price.Special Notes
- Be prepared before you leave for your trip
Please carefully read all of the info below as it's designed to help you have a smooth travel experience.
* One of our core values is to lead with service. Our Global Connection Officers (or GCOs, the people who answer when you call us) and travel agent partners will do their very best to provide you with the latest information before your trip. There are, however, certain things that are the responsibility of the traveller.
* All the travellers are responsible for arranging and obtaining the required entry documentation for the countries they intend to visit.
* In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, entry requirements and restrictions dictated by foreign governments can change frequently and irrespective of your intended date of travel. These requirements and restrictions may depend on different factors such as your country of residence, passport nationality, destination and transit points, as well as previous travel history. Given these considerations, it is the traveller’s responsibility to research and to understand the latest travel and health requirements and restrictions by destination which are most relevant to them at the time of travel and to the destination(s) they are planning to visit, as well as to keep themselves up to date.
* Important considerations:
- Don't forget to consider the latest travel and health requirements and restrictions by destination, for both directions of travel - not just for the start country of your tour.
- Don't book your international flights before you do your own research, or before you talk to one of our GCOs or your travel agent, as you may be required to book post-nights before your return flight in order to accommodate COVID-19 testing.
- If you visit multiple countries as part of your itinerary or on the way to your destination, there may be additional entry requirements. Keep this in consideration when verifying your documentation.
- If you are travelling with minors (under the age of 18), additional documentation may be required to enter the country visited. Please contact the Embassy for more information. - Dossier Disclaimer
* The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
* VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. - Itinerary Disclaimer
* While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
* Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. - Luggage size restriction
* The tour in Japan use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size. Your luggage must be less than 160cm in total. This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments.
* We strongly recommend bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day, in addition to your carry-on sized luggage. Please see “What to take” under Tour details for more information. - Important Notes
* Please note that you'll need to prepare a overnight bag for a two-night stay in Hagi, as your main luggage will be sent on to Tottori.
* Please note that only foreigners traveling as a tourist are able to use a Japan Rail Pass. If you are a Japanese citizen/resident or traveling on a student/business/military/diplomatic visa, please advise us at time of booking as you will not be able to take advantage of the rail pass.
* Tattoos are not common or widely accepted in Japan. There is no cause for concern, but do your best to cover your tattoos when possible and note that you may not be permitted to enter public spas or onsens (hot springs).
* Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary. - Group Leader Description
* All the group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds. - Meals
* Eating is a big part of traveling. We understand the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.
* Travelling with us you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients.
* For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. - What to Take
* We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as you are expected to carry your own luggage. You will be walking with your luggage in busy public train stations to catch connecting trains, so it is highly recommended that you travel light and have easy to handle luggage and are capable of walking up and down the stairs with your luggage without any assistance.
* We recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for the trips. Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. A large bag will be an inconvenience to you and will slow you down! You will also need a day-pack/rucksack to carry daily essentials like water, cameras, passport, i-pods etc.
* It’s essential to pack as lightly as possible for rail travel in Japan. All tours use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size.
* Any luggage brought on board must be less than 160cm in total (calculated as the sum of the height + width + depth of your luggage). This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments. We strongly recommend bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day (for daily essentials like water, cameras, passport, etc.).
* Please note that travellers who bring luggage that exceeds this restriction will be directly penalized by the Central Japan Railway Company. Any luggage between 160–250cm will require a fee of 1,000 JPY per luggage, for each leg of your train journey, and is strictly subject to availability. Any luggage over 251cm in total is prohibited on the Shinkansen trains.
* If you absolutely must bring more than what fits into a single carry-on bag plus day pack, you may bring a second carry-on bag which also must be less than 160cm in total. Please note, however, that as with all tours, you must be able to carry your luggage unassisted.
* Takuhaibin: Japan’s takuhaibin service is a convenient and reliable way to transfer luggage from one location to another throughout the country. Pick-up/drop-off/delivery dates and times can be easily scheduled (usually overnight) and costs are moderate. Service can be arranged at most hotels and airports. Using Takuhaibin to send your luggage between hotels, or from hotel to airport, is a great way to travel light and avoid hauling large bags on crowded trains or up and down stairs – just be sure to pack an overnight bag with everything you’ll need until you’re reunited with your luggage the following day. - Laundry
* Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels but this is very expensive. Your leader can show you self service coin laundries in larger cities. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. - Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
- The time we mentioned in the itinerary is for reference only. Please refer to your guide on tour for the actual arrangement. The visiting order and duration might be changed according to actual and practical situation for better service.
- This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.
Pricing Info
Your reservation is always subject to confirmation by email, normally within one to two business days.
* Price for Single Occupancy applies when one person stays in one standard hotel room.
* Price for Double applies when two people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Children under 12 years of age are not permitted on this tour.
* All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
* Child shares the same price as adult.
* Maximum room capacity: 2 people.Reservation Info
1.Immediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a Receipt of Reservation via email.2. Within one to two business days of submitting your reservation you will receive a status update email from us. If you need to book an airline ticket, we recommend that you do so after you receive a confirmation of your tour reservation from us.3. An E-Ticket will be sent to you via email as soon as details of your reservation are confirmed or your supporting information is received by us. We will provide you with all detailed information about your tour on the E-Ticket. Contact information for local tour provider will be included on E-Ticket for your convenience or re-confirmation purpose if re-confirmation is required.4. Simply print your E-Ticket and present it with your valid photo ID on the day of your activity to your tour guide. Please remember E-Ticket is your proof of purchase.Terms and Conditions
- Your purchase does not guarantee confirmation. Your purchase will initiate a reservation process. We will confirm with you via email within one to two business days.- Prices may vary due to availability. We reserve the right to make price adjustment without prior notice.- Please refer to our Standard Amendment, Cancellation and Refund Policy before you make reservation.- Please refer to Customer Agreement before you make reservation.- Local tour provider reserves the right to make modifications to tour arrangements including order of tour activities, hotel and its location if deemed necessary.REVIEWS
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